assessing Boston Whaler boats

scmasondr

Cadet
Joined
Mar 8, 2003
Messages
8
Am looking at a 1982 13' Boston Whaler, and am not familiar with these other than generally good reputation. Need any advice on what to watch out for in hull. Have heard early Whalers can waterlog due to type of foam used. True of 1982? Any "nondestructive way to check for this? Any wood used in transom or floor? Any other tips on what to look for? Thanks for any help.
 

JB

Honorary Moderator Emeritus
Joined
Mar 25, 2001
Messages
45,907
Re: assessing Boston Whaler boats

Howdy, SCMasonDr.<br /><br />I have or have had 7 Whalers, all superior boats. I currently own a 1980 Montauk 17 and a 1998 Tender 11. My 13 was a 1975 and a wonderful boat.<br /><br />I bought 2 of them from people who thought they were hopelessly waterlogged. There was water in the hull, but it was not "sponged" into the foam. The foam is closed cell, like foam fishing bobbers.<br /><br />A couple of carefully located 1/4" holes at the keel and the introduction of warm, pressurized air (vacuum cleaner exhaust) dried them out in a few hours. Found and repaired the leaks that let water in in the first place and I had like new hulls.<br /><br />Wood. Yes, there is wood in the hull as anchoring for screws to mount hardware. I have a factory wood locating diagram if you need it. Rot can get to the wood if the screws loosen and are not kept tight. There are several excellent techniques for repairing this, if it has happened.<br /><br />Now. All that said, none of the above is common. Boston Whalers are very special boats and owning one is a great experience. The things that can go wrong are trivial compared to the problems that beset most 15-20 year old boats.<br /><br />Tell us more about the boat you are looking at. Depending on model, a 13 should weigh about 350# without engine.<br /><br />For everything known to man about Boston Whalers, check out www.continuouswave.com and www.whalerforum.com<br /><br />Good luck. :)
 

scmasondr

Cadet
Joined
Mar 8, 2003
Messages
8
Re: assessing Boston Whaler boats

Thanks Ancient Mariner. Your info was very helpful. The boat is a 1982 13' skiff type {not sure what the model name is yet}, center console, with a 1993 Johnson 48 hp electric start, tilt and trim. Appears to be in great shape. Thanks again for your help.
 

scmasondr

Cadet
Joined
Mar 8, 2003
Messages
8
Re: assessing Boston Whaler boats

Hi JB. I apologize for the error in name vs rank. I need to wake before getting on here. Thanks to your help, I have purchased the Whaler, and am looking forward to lots of use. I was amazed at the websites you mentioned, the Whalers have even more of a following than I imagined. Thanks again, Dave
 
Top